'''Eilat Airport''' (ETH) is right in the middle of the city. Flights to [[Tel Aviv]] are frequent and take only 50 minutes, but expect to pay around NIS 250 for a one-way trip. However, tourists can arrive in Eilat on charter or low-cost flights via the '''Ovda International Airport''' (VDA), also known as ''Uvda'', 65 km (40 miles) and nearly a 50 min drive from town. As of March 2016, Egged operate a regular bus number 282 from Ovda, costing NIS21.5 one way. This service meets all scheduled flights and operates also on Saturday. It's schedule can be found [http://www.egged.co.il/Article-4917-Transfer-Ovda-Eilat.aspx here]. A shuttle service, operated by [http://www.eilatshuttle.com Eilat Shuttle] operates for most flights to Ovda and costs $8 per person including dropoff at your hotel in Eilat. Eilat Shuttle also serves Taba, Aqaba, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. Another options is to pre-order a taxi (there are usually some taxis waiting but as there is no official taxi rank in Ovda so they can run out) which costs NIS 300 to Eilat. Note that there are unfortunately no car rental facilities at Ovda Airport.

'''Eilat Airport''' (ETH) is right in the middle of the city. Flights to [[Tel Aviv]] are frequent and take only 50 minutes, but expect to pay around NIS 250 for a one-way trip. However, tourists can arrive in Eilat on charter or low-cost flights via the '''Ovda International Airport''' (VDA), also known as ''Uvda'', 65 km (40 miles) and nearly a 50 min drive from town. As of March 2016, Egged operate a regular bus number 282 from Ovda, costing NIS21.5 one way. This service meets all scheduled flights and operates also on Saturday. It's schedule can be found [http://www.egged.co.il/Article-4917-Transfer-Ovda-Eilat.aspx here]. A shuttle service, operated by [http://www.eilatshuttle.com Eilat Shuttle] operates for most flights to Ovda and costs $8 per person including dropoff at your hotel in Eilat. Eilat Shuttle also serves Taba, Aqaba, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. Another options is to pre-order a taxi (there are usually some taxis waiting but as there is no official taxi rank in Ovda so they can run out) which costs NIS 300 to Eilat. Note that there are unfortunately no car rental facilities at Ovda Airport.

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'''Please beware that if flying into Ovda your passport will be stamped as routine'''. Unlike Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, which has discontinued stamping in favour of paper slips since 2013, Ovda does not have this system in place. Therefore if you think that an Israeli stamp may cause you difficulty, consider flying to Ben Gurion to avoid any worry.

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'''Please beware that if flying into Ovda your passport will be stamped as routine'''. Unlike Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, which has discontinued stamping in favour of paper slips since 2013, Ovda does not have this system in place. Therefore if you think that an Israeli stamp may cause you difficulty, consider flying to Ben Gurion to avoid any worry. Border officers in Ovda will however hand over a paper slip on request so that your passport is not stamped.

* '''Le Meridien Eilat''', North Beach, tel. +972-8-6383333, [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1880]. Le Meridien offers a wide range of suites featuring various luxury levels. The hotel features 245 luxurious suites designed and built to unusually high standards.

* '''Le Meridien Eilat''', North Beach, tel. +972-8-6383333, [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1880]. Le Meridien offers a wide range of suites featuring various luxury levels. The hotel features 245 luxurious suites designed and built to unusually high standards.

+

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*<sleep name="Orchid Hotel Eilat" address="South beach P.O.B 994, Eilat" phone="+972-8-6360360" >[http://www.orchidhotels.co.il/?orchid_eilat=orchid-hotel-eilat&lang=en/ Suites Hotel in Eilat], This exotic gem transports you to the Far East with traditional Asian architecture and luxurious accommodations. Guests get to experience a tropical holiday resort with the lavish comforts of the hotel. Ideal for couples searching for a romantic holiday, families looking for a private retreat, or large parties on an extravagant holiday.</sleep>

Eilat (אילת, aka Elat)
is an oddity in Israel, because it has so many tourists (many of the tourists are still Israelis). Located at the southern-most tip of the country, within its small "window on the Red Sea", Eilat is first and foremost a resort town these days, devoted to sun, fun, diving, partying and desert-based activities. 320 km (200 miles) away from the tension often felt in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, Eilat is a convenient escape for Israelis on vacation, but during the mild winter months also attracts thousands of European sun-seekers.

Weather

The climate is arid, with moderate humidity. Summertime highs often reach 38°C and winter lows dip as low as 8°C

Understand

Eilat (pop 85,000) is the southernmost town in Israel, isolated from the rest of the country by the Negev desert. It is sprawled along 7 kilometers of Red Sea coastline, between the borders of Egypt and Jordan, and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Aqaba. Originally a strategic military outpost, Eilat's first incarnation was as a port, used for importing goods from Asia, such as oil and vehicles. In the 1970s, tourists began visiting Eilat. They were attracted by the coral reefs, sandy beaches, and the dry and sunny desert climate. The town began to develop, and tourism has become its main industry, serving as a popular holiday destination for Israelis and foreigners alike. Owing to being resort driven it is sometimes called the Ibiza or Las Vegas of Israel.

Orientation

Today, the 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) North Beach area is full of hotels with opulent names like Herod's Palace and Queen of Sheba. The Tayelet promenade extends the length of the beach front and hosts numerous stalls, street artists, restaurants, and fashionable shops. The promenade has great views of the bay, and each evening it is full of strolling tourists. The southern beach, which has coral reefs, is protected by the Israel Nature Reserve Authority. It has many public beaches and excellent scuba diving centers. Whereas the northern beach is reachable by foot and walkable, the southern beach will necessitate transportation. The Navy and commercial ports lie between the south and north beaches.

Internet

There is free city Wi-Fi in the most tourist areas.

Get in

By plane

Eilat Airport (ETH) is right in the middle of the city. Flights to Tel Aviv are frequent and take only 50 minutes, but expect to pay around NIS 250 for a one-way trip. However, tourists can arrive in Eilat on charter or low-cost flights via the Ovda International Airport (VDA), also known as Uvda, 65 km (40 miles) and nearly a 50 min drive from town. As of March 2016, Egged operate a regular bus number 282 from Ovda, costing NIS21.5 one way. This service meets all scheduled flights and operates also on Saturday. It's schedule can be found here. A shuttle service, operated by Eilat Shuttle operates for most flights to Ovda and costs $8 per person including dropoff at your hotel in Eilat. Eilat Shuttle also serves Taba, Aqaba, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. Another options is to pre-order a taxi (there are usually some taxis waiting but as there is no official taxi rank in Ovda so they can run out) which costs NIS 300 to Eilat. Note that there are unfortunately no car rental facilities at Ovda Airport.

Please beware that if flying into Ovda your passport will be stamped as routine. Unlike Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, which has discontinued stamping in favour of paper slips since 2013, Ovda does not have this system in place. Therefore if you think that an Israeli stamp may cause you difficulty, consider flying to Ben Gurion to avoid any worry. Border officers in Ovda will however hand over a paper slip on request so that your passport is not stamped.

A cheaper way to get from Europe directly to Eilat is via the nearby Taba International Airport in Egypt. Charter flights to Taba are operated by several airlines, e.g. the German "Condor" (on Wednesdays from/to all major German airports). Taxis from Taba airport to the Israeli border station at the Hilton hotel run for max. 150 Egyptian pounds (40 min), from there a taxi to Eilat is around 25-30 NIS (10 min). Or take local bus 15 (6 NIS). Border crossing normally takes less than 30 min. On arrival at the airport insist on Egyptian "Sinai only" visa, otherwise you're charged 15 USD visa tax. Note that Egypt charges 75 LE tax when leaving Taba coming from Eilat.

By bus

All buses in Eilat leave from the Central Bus Station on HaTemarim Boulevard.

Egged express buses drive from Tel Aviv (390/394) and Jerusalem (444) to Eilat hourly, the trip takes around 5 hours and costs NIS 75 one way (60 for students) or 128 NIS for a return ticket. It's advised to buy tickets in advance because assigned seating is in use. Don't worry if the bus is sold out, ask the driver and usually he will take you - although you will end up standing or sitting on the stairs for a couple of hours (almost 6 to Jerusalem).

From the Taba, Egypt border crossing take local bus number 16 to the central station for 4.20 NIS.

By car or taxi

There are a couple of ways to drive from Tel Aviv to Eilat. One is via Mitzpe Ramon. Another nice alternative is from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea via Arad, stay a couple of days there or just make a short stop and then continue to Eilat. It takes approx 5 hours from Tel Aviv, and a similar duration from Jerusalem.

Taxi from the Aqaba, Jordan border crossing is around 35 NIS. A taxi from Aqaba to the crossing is around 5 JOD.

A taxi from Nuweiba, Egypt to the Taba border crossing takes 50 minutes and costs around 110 EGP.

Border Crossings

Travelers from western Europe, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa can get a visa upon entering Israel.

The "Wadi Araba Crossing" from Aqaba, Jordan is 5km from the Eilat central bus station. The Jordanian exit fee is 10 JOD (Oct 2012, German passport).

Note: that the journey across the boarders Taba to Eilat to Aqaba, back to Eliat and finally Taba again (so in any direction) can be done without any stamps being placed in your passport. No extra fees are incurred and all stamps are placed on separate cards given to you by immigration officers. You must ask for this nicely, but the procedure was simple and quick with little hassle.

It will appear (once you throw out the cards) that you have never left your starting country.
Done with Canadian Passports in January of 2014, though it appears that nationality had no bearing whatsoever to the officers.

Get around

Central Eilat, that is the Promenade Area and vicinity of the central square can be covered on foot, although during the summer the scorching temperatures make walking around unpleasant. Only the closest public beaches are a sweaty stroll from the center, and dive sites will require motorised/bus going. A limited bus system serves south beaches (bus no. 15 starts at the bus station, circles around the hotels area and then heads south towards Taba border crossing stopping at beaches and attractions along the way, bus no. 16 does the same in opposite direction), as well as the suburbs. Taxis prowl the streets looking for fares. Insist on the meter or at least agree on the fare in advance, as Eilat's taxis are famously mercenary.

By bus

Single ticket was NIS 4.20. You can get a Rav Kav card for free at the Bus Station - then you can load timed tickets on it like daily (NIS 8), 5 days (NIS 33,50) or 6 days (NIS 39) which are valid on city buses including 15/16 down to the Taba crossing. Tickets are not valid on non-standard and intercity buses.

Notice that bus 15 has different number - 16 on its way back as it uses the same stops in both directions.

Also the schedules for Friday/Saturday are limited - so check the last time not to be stranded - especially on Friday.

See

Parrotfish among coral at Coral Beach

The main beach is in the North beach, and many of the major hotels are situated here. The south beach area (Coral Beach) is protected by the Israel Nature Reserve authority, but recent years have seen a decline in the marine life and reef quality. Fortunately, since the removal of the controversial fish cages from the Gulf water in 2008, a steady recovery of corals has been seen at all dive sites. While many divers head south to the Egyptian Sinai coast to Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh, to experience better diving conditions, many divers still prefer Eilat, with far smaller crowds, interesting macro life and easy, unpressured surface entries.

Coral Beach - is the best place for scuba diving and located here are some of the best dive clubs in Israel offering technical diving courses, rebreather, nitrox, tri-mix etc.. The whole coastal area is protected by the nature reserve authority and divers are expected to follow regulations. The south beach is a great place for snorkeling, windsurfing and kite-surfing plus it has fantastic views over the bay. Entrance fee for the coral reef part is 35/30 NIS adult/students (Nov 13).

Underwater Observatory. - One of Eilat's most popular attractions is a good way to view the Red Sea marine life without getting wet. It's white tower (Eilat's most famous landmark) offers great views above water and goes below the surface where the marine life is seen in two underground rooms. In the marine parks aquariums are sharks, sting rays and turtles, plus lots of multi colored Red Sea fish. The huge glass windows allow visitors to get a great view the tanks occupants. The Oceanarium (extra NIS 10) simulator is a bit dated (lower resolution, no 3D) may be a lot of fun for kids - a little scary for the smaller ones though - but rather not for adults. There are different shows at different times like shark feeding or opening oysters for pearls. Ticket is valid for 3 days but you must ask for the free return photo at the photo booth. All in all it's a nice family morning out.

Dolphin Reef - [10], South Beach (3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border), tel +972-8-637-1846. Entry fee: 78/44 NIS adults/students (nov 13). Not just a tourist trap, the staff actually works to rehabilitate dolphins for life in the open sea - from whence they came. However in the past, the occasional release of the dolphins into the bay resulted in the immediate consumption of many of the nearby coral reef's inhabitants. The dolphin release project is since on hold. Various paid options are available for interacting with the dolphins, starting with snorkeling with the dolphins at NIS 227. It's a very nice beach with lots of small pools and rich shrubbery. It has a fantastic spa (relaxation pools) and is well worth a visit. For those who want to get up-close to a dolphin book your swim or dive as early in the morning as you can. The dolphins get weary of as the day goes on. Piers leading out onto the water allow everyone to get as near to the dolphins - as the dolphins want.

"What's Up" The Observatory of Eilat and the Arava[11], "What's Up" has begun a new show. With the addition of a special camera we can show you the deep sky as well as the moon and planets on a computer screen rather then through the eyepiece of the telescope. We can now collect photons in a way the eye could never do and see the wonders of the sky in living color. Watch the image build as the light is collected and hear tales about the personalities of the heavens as well as scientific explanation of what is going on up there. "What's Up" is suitable for all ages as well as being accessible to the handicapped although there are no toilet facilities at the site. What's Up" The Observatory of Eilat and the Arava, besides stargazing programs, now offers campfires, camping and hiking programs led by Colin Porter a licensed tour guide.

Hai Bar a spectacular Zoo that its mission is to train animals to live in wild conditions to be released again into the wild, includes animal such as the Ostrich and the Arabian Oryx.

Timna Valley - The Timna Valley is located in southern Israel in the southwestern Arabah, approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of the Gulf of Aqaba and the town of Eilat.

Red Canyon

Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve - the most attractive nature reserve in the Negev Desert, climbing the high mountains of Eilat and take a wonderful view of Eilat and Aqaba, the Fauna includes Striped Hyena, Wolfs, Foxes, Caracal, Rock Hyrax, Dorcas Gazelle and Nubian Ibex

Do

The Negev desert surrounds Eilat and its scenic Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve has some of the most spectacular desert routes in Israel. Trails include ancient trading routes and the Great Rift Valley. Desert Hiking, 4x4 jeep tours and camel treks are major attractions in this area of the Negev desert.

Every summer, the Red City music festival is held in Eilat (sponsored by 99 ESC radio station.) This beach festival is held on the beach and consists of consecutive days of all night performances (Hip-Hop, rock and especially trance)

Red Sea Jazz Festival This annual event takes place in the last week of August and Jazz musicians from all over the world come to Eilat, for a week of fun, sun and lots of Jazz.

Kite surfing, Club Med Beach, ☎08-6373123, [1]. Eilat is one of the best locations in the world for learning how to kitesurf. The weather and sea conditions are perfect for beginers with steady northern winds and a calm sea. KiteXEilat offers various beginners classess.

Scuba Diving (Lucky Divers), Simtat Tsukim 5, ☎972-8-6323466. 3. No license and no experience necessary SCUBA diving. As is legal in Eilat, an experienced dive master will accompany you on what could be your first ever SCUBA experience. They provide a short tutorial of the basics, and worry about all the technical details leaving you able to concerning yourself solely with breathing--and of course observing the magnificent neon subaquatic landscape.180 NIS.

Snorkeling, Along the southern beach (anywhere public). If you don't want to splurge on SCUBA diving you can still see a clown fish or two by snorkeling along the south beach. You can rent the equipment usually from a Kiosk nearby.Rental of snorkel and flippers 25 NIS.

Learn

The Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program [12] of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev [13] offers short-term academic programs at the Eilat campus. The programs focus on Hebrew language, Marine Biology and Gastronomy.

Buy

As an incentive there is no value-added tax in Eilat. Therefore many duty free shops line the boardwalk and culminate in a duty free shopping centre know as Mall HaYam (The Mall of the Sea). Top brands can be found, and it is joked that the last thing an Israeli does on before leaving Eilat is to fill up their petrol tank to the brim.

Eat

The main promenade is packed with stylish restaurants catering to tourists and locals alike, offering some of Israel's finest cuisine prepared by Israel's master chefs. Mainly owned by the major hotel chains. The vast variety of restaurants understandably come at a price, but they don't get as pricey as the restaurants of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

For Eilat's cheap yet excellent falafel, check out the falafel joint just across the street from the bus station at the International Birdwatching Centre, on HaTemarim Boulevard.

Pago Pago floating restaurant[14]is an attraction in itself. The restaurant is strictly non-kosher, serving great sushi, sea-food and fantastic steaks. Not just good food but a nice relaxing evening bobbing on the waters of the marina. It's well moored so no chance of drifting off. The restaurant is a little pricey, but no more than other restaurants and you definitely get far more for your money. If you only spoil yourself with one good restaurant during your visit to Eilat, Pago Pago is definitely the restaurant to go to.

Pedro's Restaurant, for an excellent steak, the hang-out restaurant of Eilat's diving instructors, you'll have to get a cab because it's nowhere near the tourist haunts. Well worth the effort if you are steak lover... or if you consider yourself an honorary local, either way, it's hard to tell what's tastier, the restaurant's meat or the punters..

Ginger Restaurant, [15] restaurant and bar. The who's who of Eilat are found in Ginger, its the new 'IN' location for Eilat's elite. Not nearly as expensive as it is exclusive, its good spot for dining if you don't mind seeing your picture in the local Eilat gossip pages.

Barbis, American Foods Restaurant, is a great burger place in the middle of the tourist center. Prices are cheap and the burgers are tasty and huge.

Budget

Shawarma fix, on the Hashacham St. just next to Hatmarim Av. - proably the cheapest place in Eilat - Falafel in pita NIS 10

Supermarket next to parking on Hatmarim Av. south of Bus Station - 6 x 1,5l water as low as NIS 8,40, oranges NIS 5,90 etc.

Drink

For a Holiday resort the expected assortment of Pubs and Bars exist on the Promenade and are also densely packed in the main square.

The Unplugged bar[16] is a good option. If you're looking for a place with stuck-up people, barbie doll bartenders, or tough-looking bouncers, look somewhere else, because Unplugged is nothing like it. The drink selection is somewhat limited, but still fairly good. The music ranges from American pop to Israeli trance, and they play songs in both Hebrew and English. You have the option of either sitting at the bar, chilling on a big couch, or dancing with the friendly locals. This place is often crowded, even on a Monday night.

While evil isn't heard, seen, or spoken at Three Monkeys Pub live bands and an all-ages dance floor crowd is. Located towards the end of the promenade at the Isrotel "Royal Beach".

Bears pub is central fixture in the main square. With a laid back feel and hookahs available Bears lends itself to chatting to the soundtrack of Israeli tunes.

Sleep

Sleeping Outdoors

Extreme but cheap. Possible at the North Beach, next to the Jordan border, and also at the South Beach--aka Coral Beach--preferably to the south of the bar called "Migdalor". Pros: stay close to the sea and pay no money for it. Cons: temperatures can be really hot, even at night; have to find out the water/shower/etc.

North Beach: passed the main hotels closer to Aqba.

South Beach: bus route 15 to Migdalor bar. Then just walk at the shore and find yourself a place for a tent.

Important Note: When staying outdoors please keep all your garbage with you and do not light fires – the beaches are protected by Israeli Nature Protection Organization.

Sleeping "almost outdoors" - stay at the organized camping site. There is only one such site in Eilat, owned by the Field School which is situated on the South Beach. In addition to a clean and quiet camping area, they provide running water, shower and electricity. The organized camping is paid on daily basis (50 NIS, 2011).
The Field School offers also rooms at reasonable prices, recommended to book in advance.
Getting there: take a bus route 15 from the Central Bus Station (CBS) – gets directly there for less then 5 NIS (2010). A cab From the CBS would cost about 25 NIS.

Budget

The hillside around the Central Bus Station contains motels which usually have a room designated to a dorm. You can find some real gems hidden among them but be prepared to take some time checking them out.

Arava (Beit Arava), Almogim St 106, ☎972 8 6374687. checkin: 24 hour; checkout: 9 am. This Motel has a homey feel, there are many tables and grills outside to allow relaxation away from the crowds. Mostly the rooms are private but they do offer dormitory accommodations for a cheap price. Starting at 78 NIS for dormitory.

Youth Hostel, Derech Ha'arava 7, ☎02-5945611, [4]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 10AM. Not at all expensive yet very clean and nice place to stay. One can book entire room or bed basis as per the need. The cafeteria serves very good breakfast as well in the morning.Dorms: 28$? Private rooms $66.

Corinne Hostel, Retamim 1, ☎08-6371472. checkout: 10AM. Dorm from 60 NIS (Feb 2016) Private rooms also available from NIS 150, very convenient location - near Bus Station, cheap falafel and cheap supermarket, better speak with the lady owner as she speeks perfect English and is much more reasonable and helpful than men. There is kitchen with utensils in which you can cook."

Private rooms. If you reach Eilat and have backpack on you may be accosted by people offering their houses or parts of them for your accommodation. These are really a gamble, because you never know what to expect and people tend to exaggerate their descriptions. Usually, it would be a nice air-conditioned room with a double bed, shower, tv, sometimes WiFi and some kitchen stuff. Price per day: 100-200 NIS and higher, however negotiable, depending on how long are you staying and what standard you want.. Start the negotiation as you see the apartment.

David's homestay, ☎+972 (0) 545731920. Offers you private rooms for 100 NIS per person and night. Included in the price is food. David has his whole life been working as a chef at the hotels in Eilat and serves you the most amazing food. He has two kinds of room: double bed room and twin bed room. He meets you on arrival and brings you to the apartment. Located 5-10 min from the bus station, 20 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from the airport (walking). I just called him and he offers only on Summer, he was not so serviceable.

Herods Palace Hotel, North Beach. checkin: 3 pm; checkout: 11 am. Formerly but no longer run by Sheraton, Herods offers a "near Las Vegas" experience, with staff in togas wandering around a pompously decorated palace. Service isn't quite up to scratch though, although the (separately charged) Vitalis spa is excellent by any standard.

Le Meridien Eilat, North Beach, tel. +972-8-6383333, [20]. Le Meridien offers a wide range of suites featuring various luxury levels. The hotel features 245 luxurious suites designed and built to unusually high standards.

Orchid Hotel Eilat, South beach P.O.B 994, Eilat, ☎+972-8-6360360. Suites Hotel in Eilat, This exotic gem transports you to the Far East with traditional Asian architecture and luxurious accommodations. Guests get to experience a tropical holiday resort with the lavish comforts of the hotel. Ideal for couples searching for a romantic holiday, families looking for a private retreat, or large parties on an extravagant holiday.

Get out

Yotvata Kibbutz - specializes in fruit cultivation and dairy farming. It supplies much of the milk and several varieties of fresh fruit and packaged goods to the Negev / Eilat region under its logo of a setting sun with two linked palm trees. They also take in traveling volunteers and have a Hebrew school for foreigners.

In Israel itself, Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea are a few hours away by bus, and can be easily visited in a day or two on organized tours, a must see places on the road which located nearby the city are the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve, Amram Pillars, Hai Bar and Timna Valley.

South of Eilat is the border crossing to TabaEgypt, where the Taba Hilton and nearby Taba Heights beach resorts are situated. Here begins the Egyptian Sinai peninsula where St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai are located.

Within walking distance of Eilat's North Beach is Israel's border with Jordan. A short drive away is the Rabin border crossing to the adjacent Jordanian town of Aqaba, Jordan's largest port and tourist resort. Further inland is the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. A guide to visiting Petra from Eilat on a tour can be found here. Jordan visa on arrival is back in 2017, you can find more info here. See the respective city pages for detailed crossing information.

To get to the Egyptian border take a taxi (35 NIS) from Eilat to the border, or take bus line 15 (6 NIS) and walk across. On the Egyptian side there is a minibus station as well as further along a full bus station. Note the border can take between 20 min to 2 hours. You will need to pay an exit fee when leaving Israel of 110 NIS (Dec 2014) and if travelling further south than Taba another fee (75EGP - Apr 09) at the checkpoint south of the border. If you plan to continue further than the Sinai, deeper into Egypt (Cairo) then you need to apply for a visa in the Egyptian consul in Eilat. The embassy (68 Efroni Street) is open from 9:30am to 12am on Sunday to Thursday (Dec 2014). It takes a day: you leave your passport, photo and pay the fee on day 1 and go and pick up your passport with the visa on day 2, from 9:30 to 12am too. Remember to bring a passport photo with you to the embassy - it is required for the visa, and the embassy has no photo-taking facilities. If you don't have a passport photo handy, you can take one on the 2nd floor of the shopping mall right at the corner of the Eilat beach. The single entry visa fee is 65 NIS for citizens from USA, Germany, Greece, Finland,Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Cyprus, 150 NIS for all other nationalities; 170 NIS for a multiple entry visa. If you are on an organised tour, some tour companies can arrange the visa on the day of the tour at the border.

Jordan | Wadi Rum | The Bedouin Meditation Camp | [21] From Eilat just cross the border to Aqaba then take a taxi for 45mins and you will be able to explore this beautiful world heritage listed area for a day or 2.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!